AP PhotoDetroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera, left, pats pitcher Justin Verlander after he gave up a hit to Pittsburgh Pirates' Josh Harrison in the ninth inning of an interleague game Friday in Detroit. Verlander threw a one hitter in the Tigers 6-0 win.

DETROIT -- Despite making 208 career starts, Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander has yet to reach a pitch count he couldn’t handle during his eight-year career.

It’s one of the many reasons why manager Jim Leyland called the reigning American League MVP and Cy Young winner one of his toughest “treasures” to manage.

“He’s very easy to manage because he’s so good, but he’s also very tough,” Leyland said. “When you see the pitch count starting to get up there, your (butt) is on the line as the manager.”

It was a no-brainer to keep him in the game Friday with the no-hitter still intact and a pitch count still under the century mark heading into the final frame.

But, there’s already been a handful of starts this season where Verlander’s pitch count and Leyland’s managing has been called into question.

"He's
a treat, obviously," Leyland said. "But there's a little pressure on you, when you manage his
games."

Leyland took heat on Opening Day when he pulled Verlander after eight innings with 105 pitches under his belt in favor of his closer, Jose Valverde.

The following start, Leyland was questioned after he elected to let Verlander pitch the final frame after needing only 81 pitches to cruise through eight innings. The result? Verlander imploded, allowing four runs before exiting on his 104th pitch.